Mother’s Day is a terrific time to pause, celebrate all that you do, and schedule some time for self-care. Our picks for a bit of pampering include a beautiful diaper bag, a lactation massage tool, a book that takes the guilt out of work, a comfy and organic pillow and a mattress you’re sure to enjoy. If you’re looking to treat yourself this time of year, consider these NAPPA award-winning items.
10 Mother’s Day Events L.A. Moms Will Love
My husband has an annual calendar reminder set that nudges him in April to book or plan something for Mother’s Day. I find this simple technological gesture very sweet, actually. He knows I’d like to celebrate the date in some small way, and he also knows his own penchant to forget that I’d like to celebrate the date in some small way. “It’s the thought that counts” rings true here.
And for many mothers, there’s no need for a grand gesture. Lots of us appreciate a simple celebration, but even simple tends to require some forethought. Want to go to brunch? Booking a table in advance is a good idea in our city. Prefer to catch a movie? You’d better purchase those tickets in advance. So, in hopes of helping anyone out there who’s helming the holiday planning, here are 10 local Mother’s Day events that the mamas at L.A. Parent wouldn’t mind attending ourselves.
Garden Party at California Botanical Garden
On May 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., bring Mom to the California Botanical Garden for a holiday garden party. Themed activities, one drink, food and treats are included in your ticket to this Claremont event, and harpist Phoebe Madison Schrafft will play live. Entry is $15 and up for the general public. Buy your tickets in advance here. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.
Seal Beach Symphony
For the mom who loves music, pick up tickets to the May 14 performance of the Seal Beach Symphony. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and takes place at Old Ranch Country Club. Passed appetizers and a cash bar will be on hand. Guests can expect international artists to play songs by Chopin, Debussy, Mozart and more. Tickets begin at $25.
Motherhood-Themed Short Films
If we’re being honest, letting us do something all alone is a great Mother’s Day treat. And if the mother in your life is into movies, try this screening of a trio of motherhood-themed short films by Sarah Moshman. It takes place at the North Hollywood Laemmle, and a panel discussion follows the films. Tickets are $10.
Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine
For the mom who loves to get out of the house with the kids, maybe a whole family trip to Pretend City Children’s Museum is the move. The museum is hosting a special Mother’s Day Celebration on May 13, and it includes card making, painting, sensory tables and even mommy-and-me yoga. Book tickets online.
Farm Sanctuary’s Family Day
Another whole-group outing, Farm Sanctuary’s Family Day is set for May 13 and includes time for animal encounters, vegan high tea, a create-your-own mini garden station and a story time and book signing with author/illustrator Ruby Roth. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are $20 and up. Proceeds go right back to the farm, supporting animal rescue and advocacy efforts.
Unique Markets L.A.
If Mom likes to shop, consider sending here on an adventure to the 14th annual Spring Market at downtown’s California Market Center. On May 6 and 7, more than 150 indie artisans will descend on the venue, selling their unique work. $15 general admission tickets include market access, an original tote bag, free drinks, DIY activities and a family fun zone, in case the kids are coming, too.
Sun & Sea at The Point
In El Segundo, more than two dozen vendors and performing musicians are part of Sea & Sun at The Point on May 13. Entry is free, and there’s plenty of other entertainment and dining options at The Point, including Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream to Hopdoddy Burger Bar.
Build Your Own Succulent Garden
North Hollywood’s Teapop is hosting a two-hour, hands-on succulent party on May 13, and guests will design their own potted garden to take home. All supplies are included in the ticket price of $35. And, you can try one of Teapop’s delicious milk teas while you’re there.
Doughnut Delivery
Who wouldn’t like a fresh doughnut t in the morning? Add a cup of coffee, a good book and a quiet house for two hours and I’d be a very happy parent. Primo’s Donuts, with one location on Sawtelle and another in Westwood, makes some of our favorite doughnuts in town, and even a few fancy ones on Mother’s Day. A simple doughnut delivery for the holiday is a sweet plan if we ever heard one. A sprinkle doughnut from your favorite local shop works perfectly, too.
DIY Mother’s Day
Ultimately, you know what Mom will like best. Skip the ticketed events and plan your own “party” if you think she’d prefer it. Let her chill at home all by herself. Pack up her favorite snacks and head to a great local trailhead for a family hike and picnic. A beach day is always a pleasant outing, weather permitting. If the temps are comfortable enough, consider a walk in Point Dume, followed by dinner at Taverna Tony’s or your favorite coastal restaurant. Or plan an afternoon or full day away to local gems like Descanso Gardens, The Huntington or The Getty. Whatever it is, Mom will appreciate your effort to acknowledge her and all that she does.
Make Mom’s Day: 10+ Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Did you buy flowers? Theater tickets? Spa gift card? Mother’s Day is on May 8, so you still have some time to figure out how you want to celebrate this year. We’ve rounded up some events, brunches and other gift ideas to honor the moms in your in life—including if that mom is you!
Celebrate together
Bring the whole family to Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks on April 30 for an early Mother’s Day celebration. Their free monthly Kids Fun Zone will host Mother’s Day Magic, featuring a Wacko Magic Show, Zumba, and a complimentary flower and professional photo to give to mom. FREE. janssmarketplace.com
The Children’s Museum at La Habra is hosting a Mother’s Day Paint and Sip on May 7 for fun with the whole family. Sip tea, eat cookies and paint a beautiful canvas. When you’re done with your creations, check out the rest of the museum. $15 – $25 includes museum admission. lhcm.org
Bring mom to Theatricum Botanicum on May 8 for their annual Mother’s Day tradition MOMentum Place. The family-friendly performance curated by Lexi Pearl features a fantastical world of aerial and circus performers, dancers, jugglers and musicians. Treat mom to brunch before the show in Theatricum’s charming gardens. $25 and up; $10 for ages 12 and under. $30 for brunch. theatricum.com
Join Street Food Cinema on May 7th, for a Mother’s Day-themed screening of “Mamma Mia!” at LA State Historic Park. Pre-show entertainment will include a live performance by FABBA, an ABBA cover band. $19 – $25 for adults; $10 – $15 for ages 6-12. streetfoodcinema.com
Take her to brunch
Enjoy a special Mother’s Day Brunch buffet at The Huntington on May 8 in the Rose Hills Foundation Garden Court, featuring fresh salad, fruit, seafood station, omelet station, dessert extravaganza, special selections for children and more. Classic brunch libations like mimosas and bloody marys will also be available for purchase. Select one of two seatings, 10:30 a.m. or 1:15 p.m., and enjoy brunch and a stroll through the gardens. $125 – $154 (includes admission). huntington.org
If mom is more into ocean views than garden views, take her Portofino in Redondo Beach. The oceanfront hotel will host a Mother’s Day Brunch in the Pacific and Bayside Ballroom, featuring fresh seafood display, omelet station, waffle station and more. $61.50 and up; $45 for ages 12 and under. hotelportofino.com
Celebrate mom with a brunch buffet at 21 Square Bar + Kitchen in Torrance. Enjoy classic brunch fare and all-you-can-drink-rosé on May 8. mariott.com
Bianca in Culver City is hosting a special holiday brunch on May 8 featuring menu specials inspired by the owner Gianni’s mother and grandmother, Bianca, the restaurant’s namesake. biancalosangeles.com
Bring mom to the Reagan Library for the “Secrets of WWII” exhibit and a special Mother’s Day champagne brunch. A professional photographer will also be available to commemorate the holiday. $83; $39 for ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and under. reaganfoundation.org
Make brunch into a weekend getaway with a Mother’s Day Brunch at Cuyama Buckhorn, a charming boutique hotel located on the northeastern edge of Santa Barbara County. Enjoy a special brunch menu and live music for families. cuyamabuckhorn.com
Escape to Terranea Resort Mother’s Day weekend and enjoy their annual Mother’s Day Ballroom Brunch, featuring live entertainment, a large assortment of sweet and savory offerings including a special kid’s buffet and dessert section. $119 and up for adults; $59.50 for ages 5-12; $15 for ages 2-4. terranea.com
Tea time
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the California Botanic Garden with a tasty take-home box of treats including teas made with native plant ingredients. The box includes recipes, tasting notes and instructions to join a Virtual Tea Time on May 8 from 3 – 4 p.m. The deadline to place your order is Sunday, May 1. calbg.org
Join live musicians and company members of the critically acclaimed Impro Theatre for Jane Austen Unscripted, a fully improvised play that brings the world of Austen to life with audience suggestions and participation. Grab the GMTea Experience Tickets and enjoy garden party table seating, English tea and treats from local hot-spots. $75. garrymarshalltheatre.org
Spa time
You can also treat mom to one of Terranea Resort’s many wellness offerings at The Spa at Terranea. From mommy-to-be massages to facials to an ocean’s renewal, these treatments will have her relaxed and rejuvenated. Treatments start at $220. terranea.com
Give mom to a relaxing afternoon at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Temescal Valley with a gift card she can use for any purchase at Glen Ivy, from restorative treatments to culinary experiences. Glen Ivy Hot Springs features natural mineral spring pools, healing mineral baths, skincare treatments and more. Starting April 18, purchase a $100 gift card for $95, $200 for $175, $300 for $255 or $500 for $425. Must order by May 2 for arrival by Mother’s Day. glenivy.com
A gift that gives back
If mom is the accessories type, how about a personalized piece of jewelry that also gives back to other moms. Moonglow, which includes necklaces, rings, bracelets and more, features the moon from the date of your choice. The Harper Bracelet, which launched April 1 in time for Mother’s Day, honors rainbow babies and a portion of all sales will benefit The University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit in support of rainbow families. moonglow.com
A gift that’s hand made
Bring mom to Makers Mess at Row DTLA on May 8 for a special Mother’s Day workshop. Learn the basics of mosaic design and assembly from Kristie of K Bloom Mosaics and make your very own Moroccan mosaic coasters. $95 or $85 if you get two or more tickets (use code MOM-MAY). makersmess.com
Join Andes Florist at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach on May 14 for a fun mother-daughter Floral Crown Workshop. Create beautiful flower crowns, enjoy a signature grazing table and complimentary glass of champagne and get your picture taken with an on-site photographer.$75. andesflorist.com
$3 Movies
Netflix’s Bay Theatre in Palisades Village is showing four films on Mother’s Day for just $3 each.
“Along for the Ride,” opening Friday, is based on the novel by Sarah Dessen. The summer before college Auden meets the mysterious Eli, a fellow insomniac. While the seaside town of Colby sleeps, the two embark on a nightly quest to help Auden experience the fun, carefree teen life she never knew she wanted.
Jennifer Garner stars in “Yes Day.” Always feeling like they have to say no to their kids and co-workers, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a YES DAY — where for 24 hours the kids make the rules. Little did they know they’d be going on a whirlwind adventure around Los Angeles that would bring the family closer to each other than ever before.
In “The Adam Project,” a favorite at the Bay, a time-traveling pilot teams up with his younger self and his late father to come to terms with his past while saving the future.
And in “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” a quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope!